Electric scooters and e-bikes have become a common sight on Cayman’s roads as an inexpensive way to travel around the island without working up a sweat, but there are increasing concerns that they aren’t always being used safely or legally.
Riders are now being warned that they could face fines, legal action or even have their devices confiscated if they flout the rules of the road, such as riding on the wrong side of the street or without the correct insurance.
“Ignorance of the law is no excuse,” said David Dixon, director of the Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing.
“We continue to see unlicensed, uninsured e-bikes and scooters on our roads, some capable of dangerous speeds. Riders and importers must understand that these are not toys. They are vehicles under Cayman law and must be registered, licensed, and insured. Failure to comply will result in fines, confiscation, and legal liability in the event of an accident. The responsibility lies with you.”
The National Road Safety Committee says that there has been a “significant increase in dangerous and unlawful use of these vehicles, leading to traffic disruptions, near-misses, and heightened risks for all road users”.
“As chair of the NRSC, the Ministry is deeply concerned about the escalating misuse of electric mobility devices,” said Eric Bush, chief officer of the Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure.
“These vehicles can enhance connectivity across our communities, but when operated irresponsibly, they become a threat. Riders and importers must understand that compliance with the law is not optional. Our collective priority is safeguarding all road users, whether on two wheels or four.”
Motorised scooters and e-bikes capable of going faster than 15 miles per hour are legally classed as motorcycles or motor vehicles, which means that they must be registered and licensed with the DVDL. Users must have a valid driving licence and the appropriate insurance to be driven on public roads. They must also wear an approved helmet and make sure that their vehicle is equipped with working lights and reflectors.
Obeying the rules of the road
Like all other road users, riders of e-scooters and e-bikes have to obey the rules of the road, including driving on the left in the direction of traffic, and not riding on the pavement or against traffic.
The National Roads Authority said it was increasingly concerned about the growing use of scooters and motorised bicycles on Grand Cayman’s roads.
Managing director Edward Howard said, “We’ve observed several unsafe behaviours, such as riders weaving through traffic, travelling against the flow, using sidewalks, and entering high-speed zones, all of which create serious risks for all road users.
“While the NRA does not have direct enforcement powers, we are working closely with the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) and other government agencies to support the safe and responsible integration of these devices into our road network.”
Commissioner of Police Kurt Walton said, “Too many riders are ignoring basic safety; no helmets, no lights, speeding in pedestrian areas.
“This behaviour endangers not only the riders but also pedestrians and motorists. Let me be clear: these are enforceable laws, not guidelines. RCIPS officers will be taking action. Riders who flout the law face prosecution, fines, and seizure of their vehicles. Safety on our roads is non-negotiable.”
Related Videos
Anything to inconvience the little person. Register and insure a scooter or bike? Are you kidding me?
This is the biggest joke of the year. The NRA and government can’t build any bike lanes or scooter lanes to relieve traffic in 2025 but instead want to fine people and make them pay for a license for a scooter?
Next there will be a government license to buy or eat groceries. This is pretty disgusting to be honest ad most of the people riding these are near minimum wage.
The police don’t do anything about the crappy drivers but now they threaten to take peoples means of transportation or fine them. When’s the last time they took someone’s car for speeding or drunk driving…… I’ll wait. They even let people with multiple vehicular homicides retain their license to keep driving.
Has even one of these individuals on e bikes/scooters been prosecuted?.
Quite typical of Franz Manderson’s “world class” Civil Service.
When have DVDL, NRSC, NRA and their Ministries ever made a public campaign of notifications regarding the requirements of bike usage…licensing, insurance, etc? Perhaps I missed it.
Not saying these rules aren’t necessary, but to wait until the roads and sidewalks are flooded with ebikes to call people’s attention to the requirements.
Cart before the horse…again!
World class civil circus!
I don’t own one but who provides ebike or scooter insurance? What does it cost?
Where would one affix a licence plate?
Certainly agree that many are dangerously riden.
All vehicles are required to follow the law, this is late in coming but never the less this is right. These bikes must be brought to comply with the laws of the Cayman Islands.
This is totally out of control! Very dangerous, and I am surprised that there has not been carnage on our roadways yet involving these E-Bike and Scooter riders. It is like the “wild wild west”. I do have some sympathy for the Bikes used by some workers, to get to and from work (in the absence of the long-promised Public Transportation system), BUT still no excuse. WE NEED A PLAN, AND SOLUTIONS.
ANOTHER accident/death waiting to happen involves the young teenage boys who are riding their bicycles on main roadways, and doing “wheelies” within the vehicular pathways. This must be aggressively stopped before we have fatalities during these summer months.